With nearly everyone in the known universe using social media, it should be no surprise law enforcement agencies are too. You may still be able to find flyspecked most-wanted notices tacked onto a wall in a post office or federal building, but many police agencies have updated for the digital age.

Besides hunting for a suspect or fugitive by interviewing acquaintances or family members or checking phone records, these days, many North American police departments gather tips from the public or find suspects through Twitter, Facebook and other popular websites. It’s not uncommon to see security camera video captures posted on a police blog, with an appeal to the public for help identifying or locating a suspect.

Ever hear of #WarrantWednesdays? It’s a regular feature many U.S. and Canadian law enforcement agencies have added to their social media pages, posting warrants for local suspects or fugitives and inviting information from the public. The New York State Police started doing that in 2013, and an agency spokeswoman praises the program, not only for directly leading to 15 of 29 arrests it made last year due to social media tips, but also for drawing greater attention to its Facebook and Twitter activity.

In Hamilton, Ohio, the county sheriff’s office maintains a Top 15 Most Wanted section on its website and posts a “Warrant of the Week” on its Facebook page seeking anonymous tips via phone or web. The sheriff says he was delighted when the first response to a March 2 post came from the suspect being sought on a variety of charges.

In his own defense, the 21-year-old tweeted of his accusers that “half of them don’t even know me.” The sheriff’s office replied “it’d be great” if he could stop by the office to talk things over, and the next day the suspect turned himself in. Soon, the sheriff issued a Twitter update that the man would temporarily be off Facebook, since the county jail lacked internet connections for inmates.

Sometimes social media helps law enforcers locate individuals they may have forgotten they were looking for. Take the case of a 22-year-old man in Mineral Springs, Texas who decided to liven up his Facebook page by bragging there he was still at liberty, despite 16 outstanding arrest warrants. That same day, someone forwarded this social media taunt to the local police department’s Facebook page; it piqued their interest, and they soon discovered the braggart’s whereabouts.

On the plus side for the scofflaw, he turned out to have only 14 outstanding warrants; on the negative side, he couldn’t pay $1,200 in accumulated fines or post bail, so he wound up serving more than seven weeks in the county jail.

Of course, police departments use social media programs for many other purposes: employee recruitment, notices of severe weather or other types of emergencies, news of charitable projects, and even pictures of cute animals (these tend to be police dogs and mounted police horses).

The client was charged with driving while impaired by drugs. We showed the DA’s office the client suffered from hyperkalemia, a medical condition caused by an elevated level of potassium which can cause fatigue, lethargy and confusion. All charges were dismissed.

Client was charged with Robbery in the Second Degree. He was with a friend who robbed a person sitting in a parked car. We were able to show the DA’s office that our client had no knowledge of his friends intent. We were able to get the felony reduced to a Disorderly Conduct which is a non criminal offense.

Client was charged with Criminal Posession of a Weapon and was facing a minimum of three and one half years. During an evidentiary hearing we were able to show that the police confuted an illegal search the gun was suppressed and the charge was dismissed.

Client was charged with Grand Larceny. It was her 7th arrest during the previous 10 years. The DA’s office was not offering a reduced charge and was requesting jail time. We got the client involved in a work and parenting program and were able to secure a plea to a misdemeanor without jail or probation.

Client was charged with Unlawful Surveilence. After his plea of guilty it was a discretionary decision to be made by the court as to weather he had to register as a sex offender. Through our efforts we were able to have him sentenced without having to register.

Client Testimonials

"I can’t thank Scott enough for helping me. I had never been arrested before and found myself in the middle of a nightmare. I was arrested for and charged with criminal Mischief in the Third degree which is a class E Felony. Scott was first able to get the charge reduced to a misdemeanor. He was then able to see that the case was completely dismissed."

T.T.Charged with Felony Assault and Criminal Mischief in Queens County

"Scott Limmer is a very knowledgeable Nassau County NY lawyer and has been extremely helpful to me and my family over 8 months of court. He knows how to handle the ADA and his tenacity has been untiring. The quality of his work is in the ending of the case, with justice being served and correct. We are very fortunate and thankful to have found Scott Limmer to represent us. Thank you Scott and God Bless"

F.L.Arrested for Robbery in the Second Degree in Nassau County

"Scott Limmer is a man of his word and an attorney with integrity above reproach. When one needs a criminal attorney it is usually the most harrowing time of your life. Scott Limmer makes a horrible situation easier. He speaks in layman’s terms and explains your situation every step of the way. He keeps the costs to a minimum and delivers beyond expectations. I would recommend choosing Scott Limmer as your attorney hands down."

A.O.Arrested for Suffolk County Felony

"I was arrested for a felony Mr. Limmer would not agree to any of the offered plea bargains. He was able to get the case dismissed. I can’t thank him enough for his hard work and professionalism."

D.D.Arrested for Falsifying Business Record in the First Degree in Nassau

"Scott helped me thru a very difficult 20 months of navigating thru the Nassau county legal system. His advice was on the money from the start to the end. Amicable, tenacious and knowledgeable, just some of the words to describe him…In the end I credit his guidance in helping me get the just court decision…But then again he knew the outcome….thanks Scott…we remain in touch to this day and my case was over almost two years ago…"

T.C.Arrested for Assault in the Third Degree in Nassau County

"Helped me thoroughly with all my traffic dealings. He is my go to guy for my company. Scott is the best."